Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat: Phone Number Verification Now Required

Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a new feature called GameChat, which is integrated into every console and highlighted as a major component of the system. To set up GameChat, users must verify their identity by providing a phone number to Nintendo. If the phone number is already linked to your Nintendo Account, you can use that. Once provided, Nintendo will send a verification text message to the number, linking your GameChat activity to it. It's important to keep this in mind when using the feature.

For users under the age of 16, GameChat will be blocked by default. A parent or guardian must enable the feature through the Parental Controls smart device app and provide their own phone number for verification via text message. According to information on Nintendo's website, as noted by Eurogamer, this requirement applies to all Nintendo Account holders on the Switch 2, even for shared devices. IGN has reached out to Nintendo for further confirmation.

Accessing GameChat on the Nintendo Switch 2 is straightforward. Players can initiate the feature by pressing the new 'C' button on the console's controllers, allowing up to four people to video chat simultaneously or up to 24 to join a group audio call. During a video call, users can use a separately sold camera peripheral to broadcast themselves and stream their gameplay. This marks Nintendo's first venture into such a service, which historically has been behind other console makers in terms of online features.

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Recently, Digital Foundry disclosed the final specifications for the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting concerns about the GameChat feature's impact on system resources. Developers have reportedly expressed worries about this. Nintendo offers a GameChat testing tool to simulate API latency and L3 cache misses, allowing developers to test the system's performance without needing active GameChat sessions. This raises questions about whether GameChat affects game performance for users. Although the resources allocated to GameChat should not theoretically impact performance, the provision of emulation tools suggests there might be some effect that developers need to consider. Digital Foundry noted, "We'll be interested to see how GameChat may (or may not) impact game performance as this does seem to be an area of developer concern." The full impact will be clearer when the Switch 2 launches on June 5.

As a reminder, GameChat will be available for free during the first 10 months following the Switch 2's release. After March 31, 2026, a Nintendo Switch Online membership will be required to use GameChat.

Earlier this week, we saw the first look at a Switch 2 game cartridge, and there were reports that Samsung might supply OLED screens for a potential Switch 2 upgrade.